The working papers, correspondence, publications, photos and biographical materials of George E. Hale (1868-1938) form the collection known as the Helen Wright Collection on George Ellery Hale in the Archives of the California Institute of Technology. Not only was Hale the foremost solar astronomer of his day, but he was also exceedingly energetic in the organization and promotion of the enterprise of science, both at home and abroad. The materials in the collection reflect both aspects of his career, as well as his other interests and personal life.

The daughter of George Ellery Hale's colleague, Frederick Wright, Helen Wright was born in 1914. Following the death of George Ellery Hale in 1938, the National Academy of Sciences urged that a comprehensive biography be written. However, it was not until 1951 that Helen Wright was commisioned to pen the work. Although she worked industriously on the project, the biography was not completed until 1966. Six years later, she co-authored The Legacy of George Ellery Hale.

6 linear feet

Copyright may not have been assigned to the California Institute of Technology Archives. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the California Institute of Technology Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.